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Having seen the effects of floods from appliances and plumbing, deploying sensors for water leaks is very high on my list of recommended “smarts” for home owner

Having seen the effects of floods from appliances and plumbing, deploying sensors for water leaks is very high on my list of recommended “smarts” for home owners. Sinks. Toilets. Dishwashers. Washing machines. Being aware of leaks and catching them early can save >$10000 (or a significant insurance claim). Just being home isn’t necessarily enough - you’re working from an office upstairs, are you going to notice a leak? Or will it leak for 3 hours until you notice, at which point it’s equivalent to running it when you’re out of the home?

Arrath 4y ago
For real. A co-worker went home last week to find water pouring out of his front door. Cause? The toilet feed line had failed sometime during the day. His entire apartment was ankle deep or more. I could see some form of sensors plus a solenoid driven valve on the water main being infinitely valuable to help limit the extent of the damage in such a case.
- h2odragon 4y ago
  whole house cutoff valve right near floor level with a float valve arrangement. if the float rises the valve shuts off. simple. analog. all that's required is that the valve be able to actuate after N+ years of disuse, which is actually a tall order.
  - Arrath 4y ago
    Not nearly complicated enough. Why not interior cameras (infrared?) that watch for signs of water encroachment/flooding or a certain % of the floor area to be a temperature that implies its water. > all that's required is that the valve be able to actuate after N+ years of disuse, which is actually a tall order. Too true. Regular tests and preventative maintenance tend not to happen in too many households. I too am guilty of this, I would say that I find the seal in the shut-off valve for toilets to be dried and leaky a majority of the time I've gone to turn off the water to replace components inside the tank.

Arrath 4y ago

For real. A co-worker went home last week to find water pouring out of his front door. Cause? The toilet feed line had failed sometime during the day. His entire apartment was ankle deep or more. I could see some form of sensors plus a solenoid driven valve on the water main being infinitely valuable to help limit the extent of the damage in such a case.

h2odragon 4y ago
whole house cutoff valve right near floor level with a float valve arrangement. if the float rises the valve shuts off. simple. analog. all that's required is that the valve be able to actuate after N+ years of disuse, which is actually a tall order.
- Arrath 4y ago
  Not nearly complicated enough. Why not interior cameras (infrared?) that watch for signs of water encroachment/flooding or a certain % of the floor area to be a temperature that implies its water. > all that's required is that the valve be able to actuate after N+ years of disuse, which is actually a tall order. Too true. Regular tests and preventative maintenance tend not to happen in too many households. I too am guilty of this, I would say that I find the seal in the shut-off valve for toilets to be dried and leaky a majority of the time I've gone to turn off the water to replace components inside the tank.